Press Release:
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Media Contact:
Dan O'Brien, Chief Communications Officer
WORCESTER – Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – The Worcester Public Schools was recently awarded $87,000 to support training adults to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) through a grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration.
As an integrated English literacy and civics education program, the CNA course is taught through the Worcester Adult Learning Center for free to adults who are simultaneously learning English. It is also open to youth aged 16 or older who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school.
“By offering high quality adult education instruction simultaneously with rigorous occupational skills training, we’re helping more students be ready to gain employment in occupations that pay family-sustaining wages,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Grants like these are a win for our students, workforce and state economy.”
The Central Massachusetts Regional Workforce Blueprint identifies healthcare and social assistance as a top occupational need for the region. Last year, 91 percent of CNA students in the Adult Learning Center passed their state certification requirements.
Worcester’s allocation is part of a $2.86 million state grant for MassSTEP programs, which unify workforce development with integrated English literacy and civics education, with participants earning industry-recognized credentials.
###